Detecting Danger

Refuge Cove #1

by Christy Barritt

The man who destroyed her is now her only protection.

Millie Anderson has learned the hard way that love can be a trap. After years of abuse at the hands of her charming, controlling ex-husband, she's finally free—but not safe. With nowhere else to turn, she arrives at Refuge Cove, a hidden sanctuary in the Blue Ridge Mountains where women can disappear with their beloved dogs.

What she doesn't expect is to find Caleb King waiting there to welcome her.

The man who once promised her forever and then vanished without explanation is now the one standing between her and danger. He says he wants to protect her. But trust is a luxury Millie can't afford—not when her past is hunting her and mysterious incidents are escalating at the Cove.

Millie and Caleb must confront their painful history while racing to uncover the truth. But some secrets are worth killing for—and some second chances come with a deadly price.

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2026

About the author

Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.

Reviews

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to a new series. Millie and her dog Biscuit flees to Refuge Cove, a shelter where women and their pets can "disappear" to for safety, to escape her abusive, controlling ex-husband. What she didn't count on is running into Caleb, her ex-boyfriend who had abandoned her when he entered the military 6 years ago. Can Millie try not to fall her for her ex while at Refuge Cove?
Detecting Danger has danger and twists and turns as unexpected incidents happen at Refuge Cove as well as second chances. This story will have you guessing. Can't wait for Naomi's story next.

[Kalyn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa!! That’s what I’m talking about! This book caught my attention from the get go! Drama, mystery and romance all wrapped in a package of a house who is a shelter for abused women. Millie and Caleb’s story from the past deserved a second chance!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
"Starting over was possible. Believing in herself enough to do it - that was the part that took practice."

Finally deciding to seek refuge away from all connections to her abusive ex-husband, Millie Anderson arrives at the secluded house of refuge in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains only to discover that it is owned and operated by Caleb King, a face from her past who represents a previous phase of deep heartache. Sensing Millie's distress at his presence, Caleb assures her that the property is secure and that Refuge Cove is a place where she can breathe easier without the anxiety of constantly looking over her shoulder. As it turns out, nothing could be further from the truth.

This second chance romance is riddled with speed bumps and pot holes that jar the reader to the point of no return in certain instances, yet step-by-step Millie and Caleb yield to the hope that they have been reunited for a reason.

A nice start to a new series!

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Millie Anderson flees to a remote refuge for women in danger, trying to escape the controlling clutches of her former husband. How shocking to find the man in charge is her former boyfriend, who abandoned her when he entered the military. This adds more tension to the already tense, suspenseful story. This book isn’t bursting with as much danger as some of the author’s mysteries, but offers an endearing story of growth and second chances as the main characters deal with their pasts and future amid the unsettling situations they encounter. The first in a new series, I look forward to more tales set in this Blue Ridge Mountains refuge. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Alesha Kuechler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new series!

What a great start! I always love a new Christy Barritt series. In this one, Millie has recently escaped her abusive marriage and is seeking a safe place to heal and hide. Refuge Cove seems like the ideal place, but suspicious things keep happening! Is it all her fault? Can Caleb really keep her safe? And can she keep her heart from falling for him again?

This one definitely kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had it figured out... nope! I also appreciated how the initial abusive husband scene was done well enough to show the harmful nature of the relationship, but not so much that it was horrifying or too traumatic for the reader. If you like clean suspense stories with a bit of romance and a few unforseen twists, this book is for you!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like suspense that keeps you wondering what is going to happen next, this book is for you! This book has so many surprises in it - maybe even some twists that you won't see coming! When you think the story is over, guess again, it still has another turn for you to take. Refuge Cove is a place that women and their pets can come to "disappear" in safety. When Millie Anderson arrives with her dog Biscuit, the first person she sees is her first love Caleb King. Things begin to spiral from there. Put your detective hat on, this mystery is going to be a doozy! I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a BETA copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Millie Anderson escapes to Refuge Cove, a shelter for women escaping abusive relationships because her abusive ex-husband thinks he still owns her and won’t leave her alone. Once there she finds the man who runs it is none other than her former boyfriend. Several strange and concerning things start happening at the refuge and Millie thinks it is because of her. An engaging book with many surprising things happening to keep your interest high.

[Tamrems · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie needs to get away from her abusive ex-husband. She finds a refuge that will take her and her dog to keep her safe. Little does she know that her ex-boyfriend, Caleb, runs the refuge. Does she still have feelings for him? Do the strange things that seem to be happening affect the safety of the refuge? Can Caleb keep Millie and the two other women hidden? This book has great suspense and twists in the story. Another hit book by Christy Barritt! I received a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Kim English · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danger can come from many places even when you think you are safe. Even in your own home, with your own spouse, danger can lurk. Millie found this out the hard way.... and when she runs, she has to figure out if danger followed her or if she ran into danger.
Another great page turner by author Christy Barritt, I couln't put this one down, trying to figure out the twists and turns that were presented.
The last 10 pages shocked me, they were NOT what I thought was coming
A definite must read

[Deborah K DeLaVina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger

Detecting Danger is an absolute intriguing story. It’s filled with danger, abuse, shattered relationships, suspense and a sense of mystery. Add to it a man who runs a refuge with the victim who is a woman from his past and you get double the amount of fear. Can’t wait to continue reading this series.

[Jaime Nietering · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing story from Christy Barritt

I almost didn’t read it because of the domestic violence. But I am sure glad I did. There is so much about hope and healing after trauma. And this is another great page turner with unexpected twist to the end, I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend!

[Joni Truex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Very suspenseful,.The way the author took a very real problem and worked it into this story so realistically, especially the emotions and worthlessness the victims are taught to feel, made this an outstanding novel. This book was provided by the author. The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts.

[Robyn Seitzler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t Plan to Sleep

Nope. Don’t plan to sleep while reading this one!
What do you do when you run to refuge and find little but danger inside and out? Will Millie’s nightmare never end? Is she doomed to be who he said she is? Nothing. Nobody. His?
What do you do when every instinct says, “Run!”, and you can’t because the one you want to run to is right in front of you? Is it possible to trust again? Is it wise?
Come find out!

[Karen O'Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Christy Barritt did it again with another excellent well written book. My only problem is trying to wait patiently for the next book in this new series by one my favorite authors.

[SUSAN SKOGLUND · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Christy Barrits books & have read most over the years. Her writing has improved yet I saw some inconsistencies in this story (1 being a gas fireplace doesn’t crackle!) Seems like as she cranks out more, mistakes are happening. Great suspenseful mystery though. :)

[Candy gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

can you imagine

Loving someone with your whole heart and you end leaving that person. Your broken hearted and more lies were told. You fear for your life and other young Women’s lives and their babies. What are u going to do?

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful, unique and explosive, the new Refuge Cove series begins. I greatly look forward to the second book.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Christy Barritt has given us another hard-to-put-down novel. It was a fast read, with short chapters (which I love), lots of action, twists and turns, and a bit of romance.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced mystery, with a number of twists. There’s romance and suspense, and I very much enjoyed it. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Beverly Duell-Moore]

Loved the suspense! Couldn’t put the down!

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read. I always enjoy Barriitt's books, but this one was even better than her usual. Loved it

[SarieBerrie]

DNF** Strong trigger warnings for an abusive relationship, animals also involved which puts me even more on edge

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has wonderful characters and lots of mystery with twists and some action. It kept me entertained from start to finish.

[Gloria Krenzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edgy

This book kept me involved. The characters were

real and the story gripping. I loved the twist at the end.

[Lila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christy Barritt does it again; another fantastic story that deals with a sensitive subject without being over the top.

[Ginny Daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Lots of suspense and drama. Who knows what will happen next. A save house for
Abused women. Who was sabotaging the women shelter?

[Sally J Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

spellbinding !!

I have read more Christy Barrett books and similar authors, but this one had my attention from the start. Manipulative jerks are due their ‘just desserts’.

[Cherie Melbourne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detecting Danger

This story was ok, I found it easy to put down and walk away and I wasn't surprised by the twist at the end as I half expected the person, but not the reason.

[Donna M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

great new series

Enjoy getting to know this family. People who care. People who are learning to let Christ lead. Forgiveness. Mercy. The way we need to live

[Maureen Kubo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spellbinding

Spellbinding with a surprise ending! Read it; you won’t be disappointed. A truly heartwarming story that’s also filled with many subplots!